Student Traveler Spotlight: Tyler Dribbon

Hi Tyler, thanks so much for chatting with us! Let’s dive right in. Was your ACIS tour your first time traveling overseas? If not, what was your first travel experience like and how did your ACIS trip compare?

Tyler: My trip to Peru was the first time I have travelled overseas. I am used to smaller trips within the US, so leaving the country for the first time was an unforgettable experience.

We love to hear that it was unforgettable! What was the highlight of your ACIS tour?

Tyler: My absolute favorite part of the tour was hiking through the ancient city of Machu Picchu where we had the chance to learn how the Incans used to live hundreds of years ago.

That sounds incredible, I bet it was an added bonus to experience it with your classmates. If you had to convince another student to travel on an ACIS tour, what would you say to them?

Tyler: I would tell them that it is a trip of a lifetime. For me, I will never forget my trip to Peru, as it is most likely the start of me traveling the world.

Wow! Your first trip overseas and you’re inspired to travel the world – that’s awesome. What is one piece of advice you’d give another student before their first trip?

Tyler: One of my favorite parts of the trip was interacting with the locals in the towns. My advice would be to try to communicate because you might never have the chance to speak with people from that country again.

Definitely, immersing yourself in new cultures is what travel is all about. What is your best memory from your trip?

Tyler: When my tour group hiked to the top of the neighboring mountain of Machu Picchu, Hyuana Picchu, it was one of the best memories. Looking out into the valley and thinking of what I just accomplished was an awesome feeling.

That’s a fantastic accomplishment. What is one thing you learned or gained from traveling abroad?

Tyler: I learned to be adventurous with food. I ate a lot of new food that I would never eat at home and even though not everything looked great or tasted great, I am glad I did it.

Do you have any future travel dreams: places to see, things to do, now that you’ve traveled outside the country? What are they?

Tyler:I hope to one day travel the world and see all the amazing landmarks. This trip is just the beginning.

What is something one might not know about the educational travel experience having not traveled before?

Tyler: Going on this educational traveling experience was new to me. Having completed the trip, I have met new friends who I still keep in contact with. You are in a different hemisphere and still make new friends, which I thought was pretty cool.

How did you raise funds for your tour? Was there anything innovative or different about your fundraising technique?

Tyler: I chose to take a different approach to fundraising for my trip. Instead of fundraising for myself, I set up a campaign to help families in Peru.  My campaign is currently at $1,330, and this money has been donated to AmeriCares Peru, a non-profit emergency response and global health organization that delivers medical and humanitarian aid to people in need.  I am very appreciative for ACIS’ $500 donation to my campaign.

We love that you used this as an opportunity to positvely impact the culture while visiting Peru. Thanks, Tyler!